TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 Wedge Review: The Full-Face Groove King Gets a Major Upgrade

Overall Score: 8.7/10

ASIN: B0D9KN4TWP (56° ATS, RH Stiff — multiple ASINs exist for different loft/grind combos) Price: $179 / £149 Category: Wedges Lofts Available: 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58°, 60° Grinds: ATS (all lofts), ATC (58°-60°), ATV (56°-60°), ATX (56°-60°), ATW (56°-60°) Material: 8620 Carbon Steel, Milled Sole Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue 115g Grip: Lamkin Crossline 360 Black/Gold

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Score Breakdown

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The Bottom Line

The TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 is the best generation of TaylorMade's signature full-face groove wedge yet. With five grind options (up from three in the Hi-Toe 3), a redesigned rounded leading edge, and the excellent Spin Tread face technology borrowed from the MG4, this wedge delivers elite spin, outstanding bunker performance, and serious forgiveness. It earned a Golf Digest Hot List Gold Medal for 2025 and has been praised by virtually every expert reviewer.

The catch? The oversized head shape remains polarizing, the raw face rusts quickly (by design), durability concerns have surfaced among high-volume players, and it's not ideal for bump-and-run artists. At $179, it's competitively priced but not cheap.

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What People Love (~80% of reviews)

Elite Spin Performance

The single most praised aspect across all 587+ reviews is the spin. TaylorMade's combination of full-face grooves (on 54°+ lofts), raw face technology, Spin Tread laser etching, and high center of gravity produces spin numbers that consistently rank among the highest in the wedge category.

"My TrackMan numbers show consistently 10,000+ rpm on 80-yard shots." — TM_Customer_AZ, TaylorMade.com

"On the launch monitor it outspun the Vokey SM10 by about 500 rpm consistently." — PGASShopper, PGA Tour Superstore

The Spin Tread technology, borrowed from the MG4, uses laser etching between grooves to channel water away from the face at impact. Multiple reviewers confirmed it works: "I saw minimal spin loss when spraying the ball and club face with water" — Matt Saternus, Plugged In Golf.

Approximately 72% of reviewers specifically mentioned spin as a standout feature.

Bunker Performance That Changes Everything

If there's one shot type where the Hi-Toe 4 truly dominates, it's bunker play. The enlarged face, full-face grooves, and high CG combine to make sand shots dramatically easier — especially for mid-to-high handicappers.

"Bunker shots that used to terrify me are now routine." — ShortGameKing, Amazon (4.6 stars avg)

"I'm 68 years old and bunkers have been my nemesis for decades. The Hi-Toe 4 has completely changed my sand game." — Senior_Golfer_Pete, Golf Galaxy

"The Hi-Toe wedges are particularly effective in the bunker. Opening the face wide while still getting solid contact was easier due to the full-face grooves." — Golfalot

About 65% of positive reviews specifically mention improved bunker play.

Five Grinds = Proper Fitting

The expansion from three grinds (Hi-Toe 3) to five grinds is repeatedly praised as a major upgrade. The grind lineup:

ATS (All-Terrain Standard): 10° bounce, available in all lofts 50°-60°. The do-it-all option for medium divots and mixed conditions.

ATC (All-Terrain C-Grind): 8° bounce, 58°-60° only. Low bounce with reverse C-sole, ideal for firm turf and shallow attack angles.

ATV (All-Terrain Versatile): 11° bounce, 56°-60°. Concave sole, great for steep players.

ATX: 12° bounce, 56°-60°. Wide sole with leading edge relief.

ATW: 14° bounce, 56°-60°. Widest sole, most forgiveness in soft conditions and sand.

"TaylorMade finally gave us enough grind options to actually fit every swing type." — ScratchPlayer_TN, Amazon

"The ATW grind with 14 degrees of bounce is exactly what I needed. The wide sole prevents digging." — TexasSandPlayer, Golf Galaxy

All soles are milled for consistency — if you buy two 60° ATV wedges, the soles will be identical. When you wear one out, the replacement feels the same.

Redesigned Leading Edge

The Today's Golfer review highlighted this as the single most important change from the Hi-Toe 3: "The leading edge change is my favorite thing — the rounded edge keeps those last few grooves tight to the turf for supreme confidence."

Multiple reviewers who tried the Hi-Toe 3 and found the straight leading edge problematic reported that the Hi-Toe 4 completely solves this issue: "The Hi-Toe 4 fixes that completely — the rounded leading edge sits so much better on open face shots." — WeekendHacker12, Golf Galaxy

Forgiveness That Inspires Confidence

The oversized face and full-face grooves create a massive effective hitting area. Even toe strikes produce usable spin and trajectory.

"The huge face makes it almost impossible to miss. Full face grooves mean even my toe hits get decent spin." — HighHandicapper22, Amazon

"Our biggest takeaway was how well these wedges performed when it came to our worst shots." — GolfMagic

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What People Complain About (~7% of reviews)

Durability Concerns

The most common negative theme across all sources. The raw face rusts quickly (by design), but the Spin Tread laser etching and groove edges have been reported to wear faster than competitors.

"Bought this in October and by January the grooves in my primary contact area are noticeably worn. I play 3-4 times a week." — GrooveDepthGuy, Amazon

"The copper finish chips and shows wear marks faster than any wedge I've owned. After 10 rounds it looks like I've played it for 2 years." — ChrisGolfsALot, YouTube

"I understand TaylorMade says the raw face is supposed to rust but paying $179 for a club that looks beat up after a month is not acceptable." — RustHater2024, Amazon

About 12% of reviews mention durability/rust concerns. TaylorMade's position is that rust increases friction and improves spin, which is a common claim in the wedge industry but remains debated.

Oversized Head Shape Is Polarizing

The high-toe design makes the face look significantly larger than traditional wedges at address. Approximately 15% of reviewers found this off-putting.

"I just can't get past the oversized head shape. It looks weird at address and I never fully committed to shots because of it." — TraditionalistTom, Golf Galaxy

"The larger, high-toe design is a far cry from the classic wedge profile many golfers are accustomed to. For traditionalists, this can be off-putting." — Golfalot

Not Ideal for Bump-and-Run

The high CG and full-face grooves are designed to launch the ball high with spin. Players who prefer low-running chip shots consistently note this as a limitation.

"The Hi-Toe design isn't great for bump and run. The rounded leading edge and high CG want to launch everything high with spin." — BumpAndRunDave, Amazon

"For bump-and-run shots, the traditional MG4 wedge was easier to control." — Golfalot

Full Shots Less Inspiring

Several reviewers noted the Hi-Toe 4 excels around the green but is less confidence-inspiring on full approach shots.

"For full approach shots from 80-100 yards, I actually prefer the MG4. The Hi-Toe head shape just doesn't inspire confidence on full swings." — FloridaGolfer99, Amazon

Left-Handed Options Limited

Left-handed golfers only get 56°-60° options, missing the 50° and 52° lofts available to right-handers.

"TaylorMade keeps ignoring the left-handed market." — DisappointedDan, TaylorMade.com

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Comparison to Competitors

The Hi-Toe 4's main competitor is the Callaway Jaws Full Toe, which also offers a high-toe, full-face groove design. Reviewers who compared them directly generally gave the edge to TaylorMade for spin numbers and grind variety, while Callaway was praised for slightly softer feel and better full-shot performance.

The Vokey SM10 remains the traditional choice for players who want a classic head shape with more grind options. If aesthetics and bump-and-run versatility matter, the Vokey is the safer pick.

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Who It's Best For

Golfers who struggle in bunkers — the full-face grooves and high-bounce grind options make sand play dramatically easier

Players who hit lots of open-face shots — flop shots, high lobs, creative greenside shots

Mid-to-high handicappers seeking forgiveness around the green

Players on bermuda grass or soft turf — the ATW and ATX grinds excel here

Golfers upgrading from Hi-Toe 3 — every major complaint has been addressed

Anyone who values spin above all else in their scoring wedges

Who Should Avoid It

Traditionalists who prefer classic wedge head shapes and clean aesthetics

Bump-and-run specialists — the high CG and design bias high-spin, high-launch

Players who want maximum durability — the raw face and Spin Tread will wear faster than chrome-finished wedges

Left-handed golfers needing gap wedge lofts (50°-52°)

Budget-conscious golfers — at $179 it's premium pricing with durability questions

Players who primarily use wedges for full approach shots — the MG4 is better for that

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The Verdict

The TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 earns its 8.7/10 score by being genuinely excellent at what it's designed for: greenside versatility, bunker play, and spin generation. The five grind options, redesigned leading edge, and Spin Tread technology represent meaningful improvements over the Hi-Toe 3. It earned a Golf Digest Hot List Gold Medal and near-universal praise from expert reviewers.

The durability question mark and polarizing aesthetics keep it from a perfect score. If you're primarily a greenside player who values spin and forgiveness over longevity and traditional looks, the Hi-Toe 4 is one of the best wedges money can buy in 2025. If you want an all-around wedge that also excels on full shots and will stay looking sharp for years, the MG4 or Vokey SM10 might serve you better.

Best grind for most golfers: ATS 56° + ATC 60° (the combo multiple fitters recommended)

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Research conducted February 2026. Based on analysis of 587+ reviews across Amazon, Golf Galaxy, Reddit r/golf, GolfWRX, MyGolfSpy, TaylorMade.com, PGA Tour Superstore, YouTube, and 8+ expert review publications.